I graduated recently from Queen Mary University of London with a First in English and History. I thoroughly enjoyed my degree, especially studying supernatural tales of the fin de siècle, as well as a wide range of contemporary writing from pulp horror to experimental literary fiction.

My attraction to teaching was borne from my involvement in a mentoring scheme for first-year English undergraduates, and assisting a Summer School course at my university. I decided I wanted to make a difference in students’ lives by building their confidence in themselves and in their capabilities, and by inspiring in them a love of reading not only texts but also the world around them. I chose to apply to the GUTP because I wanted to learn about the principles of teaching while gaining practical, in-class experience.

The recruitment officer, Kate, was very organised and helpful in responding to my questions about the interview and the course, and I felt welcomed and encouraged all the way. Even though the interview was online, my interviewers ensured that it ran smoothly. They even gave me personal feedback on what I’d done well. My advice to people interested in applying to the GUTP is to just be authentically you. The team is genuinely curious about your subject interests and wants to know what makes you unique.

I’ve really been enjoying my time at my first placement school. The English department is close and supportive, sharing lesson plans and resources with each other. Many of the teachers trained through the GUTP themselves and so understand the process well. The GUTP training sessions have also been very helpful in building my subject knowledge and pedagogy, and it’s been great befriending other trainees on the course. I would definitely recommend the GUTP to anyone who wants the opportunity to be immersed in the life of a school while learning from school-based practitioners.

November 2021